It is a basic fact that if lawns don't get enough water, they die. Feeding, weeding and pest control are really only effective when there's a sufficient amount of water provided.
Water is wasted when we irrigate improperly. For example, watering too long or too fast leads to puddle water or run-off. Watering in short "sprinkles" is wasteful too. Short, shallow watering creates shallow roots that dry quickly and require even more frequent watering: a vicious cycle.
It is best to water when the temperature is low, to avoid evaporation, and when there are no strong winds, to avoid wind drift (this usually occurs about dawn). It is also important to water deeply (to a depth of about 6 inches).
Important points to help with lawn maintenance

- Lawns need an average of 1 inch of water per week during the growing season. Chances are, you won't get that much rain . . . so supplemental watering will be necessary.
- Grass variety makes a big difference in how much water in needed for lawn maintenance and how well drought is handled.
- Soil type can also affect the frequency of watering that is needed to maintain a healthy lawn. Clay and heavier soils can usually be watered longer and less frequently since the soil will retain the water for a longer period of time. (e.g. once or twice a week applying ¾ - 1 ½ inchs per watering) Sandy or loamy soils generally need to be a little more frequently and for a shorter time. (e.g. every few days applying ½ - ¾ of an inch per watering)
- Have a lawn care service provider check your thatch level. Heavy thatch prevents good water penetration and increases run-off.

A combination of good watering and mowing habits will ensure that you have a well protected, healthy lawn. Here are a few additional points that you should go over with your lawn care service provider.
- Continuous monitoring:
Your lawn should be inspected to determine its needs. Each treatment should then be recorded, and your lawn should be continually monitored to ensure its progressing on a schedule.

- Fertilization:
Each feeding should be made using professional fertilizers that are formulated for the specific needs in your area.

- Broadleaf Weed Control:
Dandelions and more than 50 other common lawn weeds should be cleared out in mid-spring. However, broadleaf weed control is an ongoing battle since they cannot be prevented but must be killed after they germinate and begin to grow. Since weed seeds are nearly always present in the environment, there is a good chance some will land in your lawn and need to be controlled

- Crabgrass & Annual Weed Prevention:
Generally speaking, an early season application of pre-emergent weed control will do a good job of preventing these annual weeds from ever germinating and becoming a nuisance in your lawn.

- Disease Control:
Nearly every lawn disease can be controlled if it is treated in a timely fashion. The best control is a well maintained, healthy lawn that has the ability to fight off the disease before it becomes a problem.

- Insect Control:
Sometimes lawns are attacked by invading insects such as grubs, sod webworms, mole crickets, or crane flys. Proper monitoring and treatment when needed is essential to ensuring that a lawn damaging insect infestation does not get out of control.
n cut if you wait to mow until the grass blades are dry. Also, from a safety point of view, mowing wet grass is never a good idea. Even if you are careful, there is a chance you can slip and fall while operating a mower on top of wet grass.
Keep these tips in mind and enjoy a healthy, green lawn this summer.